Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

Psychological mistreatment of prisoners is considered by those affected just as harmful as physical, according to British scientists. Behaviors such as psychological manipulation, humiliating treatment, exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as cold or heat, as well as forcing him to maintain tense postures, are considered psychological abuse of a prisoner. Mental suffering, manifested in feelings of discomfort and lack of control, is very similar in these captives to that produced by physical torture and in both cases leads to traumatic stress and long-term psychological consequences. The definition in the Convention against Torture explains that this is "serious pain or suffering, whether physical or mental" inflicted on a person for a specific purpose by someone with official capacity. These would include various interrogation and detention procedures, such as blindfolding, putting on hoods, keeping the prisoner naked, isolating him, making him stand up, binding him with ropes, keeping him in the dark, and preventing him from sleeping, drinking or eating. Procedures to weaken his resistance, such as humiliating treatment or provoking fear, terror or a feeling of helplessness, would also be excluded from the definition. And all this with the argument that it would be necessary to prove that this treatment causes prolonged mental damage, such as post-traumatic stress.The book fully incorporates and updates the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

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